John and Martin (1840-1925) Driscoll

MARTIN DRISCOLL was born in Cedar Creek Township, Lake County, Ind., December 5, 1840, and is the oldest of the six children of John and Betsey (Murphy) Driscoll, both natives of Ireland. John Driscoll came to the United States when but sixteen years old, and worked as a farmer in Vermont, New York, Michigan and Illinois for a number of years. He once owned forty acres on the site now occupied by the town of White Pigeon, Mich. In 1834, he came to Porter County, Ind., and pre-empted 160 acres, afterward known as the Bryant farm. In 1835, he came to Cedar Creek Township, where he pre-empted a second quarter section, which he exchanged for a like number with Peter Surprise; here he resided until his death, October 7, 1862. Martin Driscoll received a fair education, and worked for his father until twenty-one years old, when his father gave him 155 acres in West Creek Township, where he followed agriculture until 1864, when he sold the farm. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company K, Forty-third Illinois Volunteers, and served until mustered out, in December of the same year. Thereafter, he purchased 100 acres of unimproved land in West Creek Township, on which he resided until 1870. He then sold and exchanged this property several times, yet still owning a livery stable and farm near the village, which last he cultivated for three years. This villlage property he exchanged for land adjoining his farm, and on which he at this time resides. On August 21, 1861, he was married to Lizzie Binyon, of Walnut Grove, Porter County, Ind., a daughter of John and Nancy B. (Hughes) Binyon. Mr. Binyon is a native of East Tennessee, and one of the earliest settlers of Porter County. To this union have succeeded eight children, of whom seven are living -- three boys and four girls. Mr. Driscoll is Superintendent of Roads for Cedar Creek Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Driscoll are members of the M.E. Church.

The following was found in the June 8, 1872, Lowell Star on page 5, column 1:

On-dit: That Mart. Driscoll is thoroughly repairing, renovating, and repainting his house preparatory to opening it up as a hotel. How is it, Mart?

The Lowell Star, Aug. 17, 1872, page 5, column 3 had a list of soldiers who were supporters of Grant in that election. Among them was Martin Driscoll of the 43rd Ill. Inf. According to an Internet database, Martin Driscoll was in Company K of the 43rd Illinois Infanty, and his residence was at Ashkum at the time of his enlistment.

Martin Driscoll was born within one mile of Lowell, Indiana, December 5, 1840, and for more than 84 years lived in this vicinity. On March 21, 1861, he married Elizabeth Binyon, eldest daughter of John and Nancy (Hughes) Binyon. She passed away February 11, 1910.

Martin Driscoll was a Union soldier in Co. K. 43rd Illinois Reg't and was honorably discharged November 20, 1865.

Two sons and four daughters survive: Mrs. Frank Flechter of British Columbia; Mrs. E.J. Shields of Indianapolis; Mrs. H.C. Taylor and Mrs. H. Carstens of Lowell; Davis and Will Driscoll of Lowell. Six grand children and one great grand child are living, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Louise* Smith.

Martin Driscoll's earthy life closed in the early morning hours on Thursday, June 4, 1925, at the ripe age of 84 years, 5 months and 29 days. He was of the very few remaining pioneers of Lake County. For more than four score years he had not only observed the changes wrought but had taken active part in transforming a wilderness into a well improved and prosperous community.

Martin Driscoll was likewise one of the fast depleting number of soldiers of the stirring days of the Civil War. His going brings forcibly to mind our obligations to that sturdy race who lived and labored for principles and for conditions which we today enjoy. He was a good citizen, a straight forward man who believed in God and lived an honest and industrious life. He leaves a splendid heritage of a good name.

The funeral service was held at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Millie Carstens, on Saturday at 2 P.M. Rev. C.A. Brown, pastor of the M.E. Church, conducted the service. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery beside his wife. Undertaker William Sheets had charge of the burial services. The following acted as pall bearers: Thomas Grant, E.J. Pixley, George Hoevet, C.O. Hill, P.M. McNay and L.W. Ragon.

* NOTE -- The sister of Martin Driscoll is listed as "Mary Louise Smith" in the obituary above, but in her husband's obituary, her middle name was listed as "Eliza."

Generation 1

Generation 2

* NOTE -- Catherine Ann Driscoll Hack's obituary listed her birth date as Oct. 18, 1844, but family researcher Thomas E. Driscoll says it was really Oct. 18, 1846.

Generation 3

* NOTES

• According to the Cedar Creek Cemetery Book att he Lowell Public Library, the headstone for Bessie Driscoll Taylor lists her lifespan as 1868-1949. Her obituary which appeared in the June 9, 1949, Lowell Tribune on page 9, column 2, indicated that she was born Dec. 31, 1867 and died May 30, 1949.

• According to Catherine Hack Moore's research, Ella Driscoll married E.S. Shields. A Feb. 18, 1943, Lowell Tribune article, however, lists him as E.J. Shileds. Town Historia Richard Schmal gives his name as Eli Schlieds in his Oct. 1982 "Pioneer History" column.

* NOTE

• Catherine Hack Moore's research listed the children of J. William and Mary Eliza (nee Driscoll) Smith as Will Smith and an unnamed daughter. The obituary of James E. Smith, however, lists his children's names as Luther Calvin Smith and John William Smith.

Generation 4